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You are here: Home> Information shortcuts for...> ... people with an ASD> Living with an autism spectrum disorder> Real life stories: people with autism and Asperger syndrome

Real life stories: people with autism and Asperger syndrome

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Personal stories, thoughts, reflections, short films, articles and lecture transcripts about life on the spectrum from people with autism spectrum disorders.

 

Suddenly everything made sense...
A chance viewing of a documentary about Asperger syndrome helped Simon to recognise his condition and identify how he could make practical changes to his life and succeed on his own terms.

It is important to look for what people with autism CAN do
Gilles has used his drawing ability and special interest in big cities to become the published author of 'Urville', a book about an imaginary city.

How my special interest has shaped my life
Sarabjit's special interest in the holocaust has led to him working for the organisation Searchlight and travelling widely on their behalf. Sarabjit is also a qualified social worker.

I felt like an unsolved mystery
Will's interest in science fiction helped him to identify his Asperger syndrome, and to become a published author.

I can finally say I have success in employment
After obtaining her M.Ed., Sienna now has a thriving home-based business, where she works surrounded by her Pekingese dogs and her parrots.

My kids helped me better understand who I am
Luigi found it hard to fit in socially as a child, but was academically able and is now a practising dentist, and father to two children who have also been diagnosed with autism.

A great accomplishment
Jeff attends college and holds down a part-time job at the same time. He writes about his experiences of job-hunting and the interview process.

My special interest has given me the dedication to succeed
Eleanor's special interests are sport and writing - her dedication to both means that she fences on her regional team and has had articles, poems and stories published.

Early on in life I felt 'different'
Shona, who is currently studying for a Masters, tells us about her work and family life, and how she is helping two of her children to understand their Asperger syndrome.

My sons have transformed my life
Helen is the proud single mum of two adopted sons with Downs syndrome, and she believes that having Asperger syndrome allows her to relate especially well to them.

I would not change the beauty of being autistic
Mary had a career in the army and raised three children, before being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 45. She now works full-time as a care assistant.

I am proud of what I have achieved so far
After receiving a statement of eductional needs, Ben completed his GCSEs, gained four A Levels, and is currently studying computer science at university.

I am doing well in life because of my mum's influence
Debra was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 35, but credits a lifetime of support from her parents for helping her achieve what she has.

We deserve help just like anyone else
I wish my story could be more positive, but in reality there is much to be done to support adults with an ASD and in particular, adults who are on the spectrum trying to bring up children on the spectrum.

Life is a battle that I'm fully capable of winning
Since getting a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, Willow is determined to succeed in life on her own terms.

I'm proud that I look at the world in a different way
Gemma recounts her school trip to Italy in 2008: her first time away from her family on her own; her first time holidaying overseas; and her first time skiing.

I can't 'turn the volume down' - living with hyperacusis
Watch Maia's video about hyperacusis, where people hear sounds very loudly and cannot separate out foreground and background noise.

Looking forward to a diagnosis
Catherine should soon receive a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome which she looks forward to, as she believes it will explain why she has had difficulties in some areas in her life.

Turning a relationsh*t into a relationship
Paolo Zeppetelli, who is on the autism spectrum, shares his thoughts about the nature of relationships and the best way to make sure your relationship is successful and fulfilling for you and your partner.

New beginnings
A poem by Brian Jones about the new NAS service Ty-Mynydd in Neath.

Life in Ukraine with Asperger syndrome
Igor stuggled to socialise in school but did better when he started being taught at home. He finished his formal education but continues to read and learn languages, and describes his life as 'more joyful' now.

Having a friend has helped
A young woman with Asperger syndrome talks about how she was bullied at school and how having a friend has made things better.

What it is like to be autistic
A video made by Kirsty, in which she describes her experiences of living with autism.

ASDs are things kids have, aren't they?
John, who has only recently been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, talks about some of his experiences of adult life.

My life as a ten-year-old with Asperger syndrome
Charlotte Gilgallon is ten years old and was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was six. Read about her life in her own words.

How I've learned to cope with life on the spectrum
Ian reflects on his experiences of life at the high-functioning end of the spectrum, and the quirks of the neurotypical world.

Something to be proud of
A young woman with Asperger syndrome writes about coming to terms with her recent diagnosis.

Self-belief and Asperger syndrome
A fifteen year-old girl with Asperger syndrome talks about her difficulties throughout school and the importance of believing in yourself and accepting your stengths and weaknesses as part of who you are.

Finding help locally
Don't underestimate the help that might be at hand locally! The story of how a man with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found unexpectedly the help he needed at Parents Of Autistic Children Together (PACT) of Dagenham.

Taking control
Following his diagnosis of Asperger syndrome at the age of 19, Andre resumed full-time education and has found fulfilment doing voluntary work. Here he talks about how he took control of his life.

Diagnosis as an adult
After a lifetime of seeing the world differently and not knowing why, Alyson Bradley has finally been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Here she offers some insight into her life.

Andy's story
The script of a talk given to Autism Wrexham by Andy - reproduced with kind permission from Autism Wrexham's website.

Dispelling some myths about autism
A presentation originally given at the 2000 AGM of the NAS Cheshire branch

Don't take it literally
Reproduced by Communication, Winter 1996. Originally presented as a seminar at the Autism Victoria Conference in September 1996.

I live in a home within myself
A piece written especially for the NAS website by Jasmine O'Neill, author of 'Through the eyes of aliens: a book about autistic people'

Growing up undiagnosed
A story and appeal for an increase in awareness of autistic spectrum disorders from professionals

Maternal loss in childhood and Asperger syndrome
The difficulties of living with Asperger syndrome were compounded for Paul by the loss of his mother

Introspection
Locked in a body that knows how to function, This mind knows the rules, but not how to speak...

 

The views in this section are offered as the personal views of contributors. These accounts should not be read as generalisations of others' situations and do not necessarily reflect the views of The National Autistic Society.

If you would like your written story or a short film to be considered for inclusion in this section please complete one of our online forms.

Written stories can be published under a pseudonym and names and places can be altered if you would prefer privacy.

To read other personal stories, please follow the links below. There are also a number of published, full-length personal stories available from our online shop.


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